Despite being only in his second year of eligibility with National University, Leo Ordiales finds his future hanging in the balance as overseas opportunities continue to emerge.
Ordiales was just crowned Finals MVP of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament after powering the Bulldogs to a dominant ‘six-peat’ championship run.
He averaged 23.0 points across NU’s two-game Finals sweep of Far Eastern University, highlighted by a 24-point outing in their 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 straight-sets win in Game 2 on Saturday.
When asked during the post-game press conference about his plans for next season, Ordiales — sitting beside teammate Jade Disquitado — could only laugh before responding.
In a separate interview with Tiebreaker Times regarding reported overseas interest, he kept things brief but telling, flashing a wide smile and saying: “Secret!”
Head coach Dante Alinsunurin later confirmed to Tiebreaker Times that the 6-foot-6 opposite spiker already has multiple offers from abroad.
“May mga offers na rin. Tinitingnan na lang namin, binabalanse namin kung ano ‘yung para sa kanya,” said Alinsunurin.
“Sa akin, wala namang problema kung hindi na sila (ni Michaelo Buddin) babalik next year. Basta maganda ‘yung kukuhang team and makakatulong sa kanila in the future,” added the eight-time UAAP champion coach.
Ordiales’ rise in NU’s volleyball program has been swift and impactful.
Despite being just in his second year in the collegiate ranks, the NU-Nazareth School product has limited eligibility left due to age restrictions, as he is already 23 years old and can only play two more years in the UAAP.
In his short stint with the Bulldogs, he played a key role in last season’s ‘five-peat’ and took on an even bigger responsibility this year as NU extended its dynasty to six straight titles.
Before the UAAP season, Ordiales also served as the starting opposite spiker for Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, where the national team delivered a memorable campaign.
In Season 88, he further established himself by winning Best Opposite Spiker honors before capping it off with a championship and Finals MVP award.
“Nakatulong din kay Leo ‘yung pagiging national team niya, kaya naging mabilis ‘yung progress ng career niya. Nung dumating si Coach Angiolino Frigoni, talagang nabigyan siya ng break,” said Alinsunurin.
NU’s volleyball program has also become a proven pipeline for international careers, with Bryan Bagunas currently playing in SV.League’s Osaka and Leo Aringo suiting up in the V.League’s Saitama.
